Anesthesiologist Work Hours: Typical Schedule and Variability

Average Daily Hours

10–12 hours/day on average, comprising:

• Operating room time (cases)
• Preoperative assessment clinic / chart review
• Postoperative PACU rounds / pain management
• Administrative duties (QI, committee, scheduling)
• Teaching / research (academic centers)
• Call coverage (night/weekend in-house or home call)

Factors Influencing Hours

Factor	Impact
Practice Setting	Private group: more autonomy, variable volume. Academic: teaching, research, structured call. Hospital-employed: shift-based.
Case Mix	Complex cases (cardiac, neuro, transplant) = longer OR days.
Call Structure	1:4–1:8 call frequency; in-house vs. home call.
Surgeon Preferences	Early starts, add-on cases extend days.
Seniority	Junior: more call, floor duties. Senior: more admin, less night call.

Weekly/Annual Estimates

• Clinical: 45–60 hrs/week
• Call: 40–80 hrs/week (varies)
• Total: 50–70+ hrs/week typical

Work-hour limits (ACGME for residents) don't apply to attendings, but fatigue management is a professional responsibility.